Assessment of Green Infrastructure for Urban Stormwater Management

Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Urban stormwater management is a critical aspect of sustainable city planning, especially in the face of increasing urbanization and climate change impacts. Green infrastructure has emerged as a promising approach to address stormwater challenges by utilizing natural systems to manage runoff. This thesis presents an assessment of green infrastructure for urban stormwater management, focusing on its effectiveness, challenges, and opportunities for implementation in urban settings. The introduction provides background information on the importance of sustainable stormwater management practices and the role of green infrastructure in mitigating urban runoff issues. The problem statement highlights the current inadequacies in traditional stormwater management methods and the need for innovative solutions to enhance urban water resilience. The objectives of the study are to evaluate the performance of green infrastructure in managing stormwater, identify the limitations and challenges faced in its implementation, and propose recommendations for enhancing its effectiveness. The literature review explores existing research on green infrastructure for stormwater management, covering topics such as types of green infrastructure systems, design considerations, performance evaluation methods, and case studies of successful implementation projects. The research methodology section outlines the approach taken in this study, including data collection methods, site selection criteria, and analytical techniques employed to assess the performance of green infrastructure solutions. The findings of the study reveal the effectiveness of green infrastructure in reducing stormwater runoff, improving water quality, and enhancing urban green spaces. However, challenges such as limited space availability, maintenance requirements, and cost implications are identified as barriers to widespread adoption. The discussion section delves into the implications of these findings and provides recommendations for policymakers, urban planners, and stakeholders to overcome these challenges and promote the integration of green infrastructure in urban stormwater management strategies. In conclusion, this thesis underscores the significance of green infrastructure as a sustainable approach to urban stormwater management, offering multiple benefits such as flood mitigation, water quality improvement, and ecosystem services provision. The study emphasizes the need for a holistic and integrated approach to stormwater management that incorporates green infrastructure solutions alongside traditional grey infrastructure. By addressing the identified limitations and challenges, cities can achieve greater resilience to climate change impacts and create more livable and sustainable urban environments.